​Live grades for Lamine Yamal and the rest of the Spain vs. Belgium player ratings from the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Two teams battling for a spot in the final four of the 2026 FIFA World Cup clash as tournament favorites Spain face fellow top-10 European side Belgium in Los Angeles on Friday.
Lamine Yamal has not yet reached his peak, still not fully fit due to a hamstring injury at the end of the club season. Instead, Spain’s defense has been the backbone of their tournament run, having yet to concede a goal in this World Cup. Belgium, on the other hand, arrive off a dominant victory over co-hosts United States in Seattle, a performance that cemented the Red Devils as serious title contenders.
The Sporting News delivers a full slate of player ratings for this match, offering analysis of both squads’ individual performances from kickoff to the final whistle. LIVE: Follow Spain vs. Belgium updates from the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal.
Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
Referee: Michael Oliver (ENG)
Spain starting lineup: 4-2-3-1, right to left — 23. Simon (GK) — 12. Porro, 22. Cubarsi, 14. Laporte, 24. Cucurella — 16. Rodri, 8. F. Ruiz — 19. Lamine Yamal, 10. Olmo, 15. Baena — 21. Oyarzabal.
Belgium starting lineup: 4-2-3-1, right to left — 1. Courtois (GK) — 21. Castagne, 25. Ngoy, 4. Mechele, 5. De Cuyper — 23. Raskin, 20. Vanaken — 11. Doku, 7. De Bruyne, 10. Trossard — 17. De Ketelaere.
All ratings are on a 10-point scale.
Goalkeeper: Unai Simón — Grade pending
Not a strong first half. He did not save the only shot on target and was off on several long balls.
Right-back: Pedro Porro — Grade pending
A very active start, helping cover the gap while Lamine Yamal was not at his best. He defended well against Doku and pushed forward to supply chances in the final third.
Right center-back: Pau Cubarši — Grade pending
Few defensive duties in the first half, allowing him to focus on his build-up play, which was excellent. Then he faced a late aerial challenge from De Ketelaere and was beaten, earning a yellow card for pulling De Bruyne’s shirt.
Left center-back: Aymeric Laporte — Grade pending
[This section will be updated with analysis, commentary, and highlights as the match progresses.]
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